What is the Saudi currency?

The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Each riyal is composed of 100 hallalahs. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) issues banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 riyals and coins in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 hallalahs.

The riyal has been fixed against the U.S. dollar since 1986. One riyal equals 0.2267 dollars, and a dollar equals 3.7502 riyals.

Are there any banks in Makkah and Madinah?

There are branches of some big national and international banks in Makkah a nd Madinah.

What are the opening and closing hours of banks?

In Saudi Arabia the banks are usually open 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Saturday to Wednesday. (Thursday mornings only).

Do banks change foreign currency?

Yes.

Do banks cash travelers' checks?

Travelers' checks could be cashed almost anywhere. Since your passport will be taken away for the duration of your stay by the Saudi authorities in Jeddah, the ID card issued by your Tawafa Establishment will be used for check cashing purposes. Make sure you have travelers checks 'Purchase Receipt' with you, as without it it will be harder to cash them in.